Tupbebek.com
- Water birthing is a relatively new concept in the United States.
Basically, a mother gives birth to her baby while being partially
immersed in warm water. Water births have more typically been done
during home deliveries, but have now entered the mainstream birthing
hospitals.
What to Expect - Preparation
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Proponents of water birth say that it is a more natural process. A baby
has been living in water for nine or ten months already. Coming into
this world in the same kind of medium is believed to be less traumatic
and an easier transition.
The mother will use a pool or tub that
is partially filled with water. The water must be maintained at a
certain temperature. Ideal temperature is equal to the internal
environment of the body (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Keeping the water at
body temperature prevents the mother’s temperature from rising too high
and endangering the baby.
The water is also continually changed
to keep it crystal clear. The doctor or midwife needs a clear view of
the cervix and the baby as it passes out of the birth canal so that any
potential problems can be detected early and resolved.
The water
level is also important. The mother's lower half is submerged in water
when she sits, but her body needs to remain stable, not buoyant, so that
she can push when the time comes. Too much water will cause her to
float and lose her position.
What to Expect - Birth
According
to experts in water birthing, immersion in water eases the pain of the
contractions. Any mother would love that. The body begins to relax
somewhat so the mother's cervix can dilate without as much pain.
Doctors
who advocate the water birth method don’t recommend that a mother enter
the birthing pool until after early labor. Immersion before five
centimeters of dilation is too early. When you first enter the water,
contractions seem to speed up due to natural oxytocin in the body. This
increased flow can last for a couple of hours, long enough to dilate to
delivery size. If a woman sits in the water too long, the surge stops
and labor is stalled. Getting closer to full dilation makes a better use
of that oxytocin spike.
Many mothers believe there are
advantages to letting their baby emerge from water in the womb to water
in the birthing pool. For women who want an alternative to the delivery
bed, water birth may offer the calm, quiet delivery she is hoping for.